Flu

Help stop the spread of Flu

Help stop spreading the influenza virus by following these simple instructions and practicing good hand hygiene.

One of the most effective ways of protecting everyone is by:

CATCHING IT - Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue.

BINNING IT – Throw away the used tissues as soon as possible.

KILLING IT – Wash your hands with soap and water immediately. If there are no washing facilities available use alcohol hand gel/rub instead.

Flu myth busting

Another way to stop influenza from spreading is by having the flu vaccination. All SWASFT staff are offered and encouraged to have the flu vaccine every year. This is not only to protect themselves from influenza, but also to protect the patients, colleagues, friends and family.

Frontline healthcare workers are more likely to be exposed to the influenza virus, particularly during the winter months when some of their patients will be infected. There is no such thing as natural immunity to flu – anyone can get it.

There are many strains of influenza and new strains circulate each year. Infection control and lifestyle are not enough to prevent you from catching the flu and transmitting it to others and vulnerable people. One of the best forms of defence against influenza is the vaccination, along with good infection prevention and control procedures. The vaccination will not only protect you, but others around you.

The flu virus can live on surfaces, equipment, hands, and in the air for hours, meaning they can be easily transmitted. Just a few simple steps can help prevent the virus from spreading.

GPs, A&Es and Ambulance Services unfortunately cannot prescribe anything for influenza. If you come down with flu symptoms use over the counter medicines, keep hydrated and get plenty of rest.

News

AWARD FOR OFF DUTY PARAMEDIC 999 HEROBath-based paramedic Simon Moody has been hailed a hero after he stepped in to save the life of a Clevedon man – while off duty – and is encouraging everybody to learn the lifesaving CPR skill.
South Western Ambulance Service’s (SWASFT) paramedic Simon Moody was off duty and stuck in Bath city centre traffic in the pouring rain in May 2017 when he noticed a man looking unwell on the pavement. It soon became clear the man was struggling to breath and was going into cardiac arrest at the side of the road, as passers-by tried to help. Luckily for the patient Simon stepped straight in and gave him chest compressions putting his paramedic life-saving skills into action before backup from his ambulance crew mates arrived.18/09/2017